By: Jeremy Anderson Posted at: 04/23/2013 04:39 PM LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska legislative committee has voted to include a $2.2 million airplane in its proposed state budget.

The Appropriations Committee voted 5-3 on Tuesday to make room in the budget to purchase the Beechcraft Super King Air from the University of Nebraska Foundation.

The plane was included in Gov. Dave Heineman's proposed budget to lawmakers. The plane already serves as transportation for the governor, agency heads and other state government officials, but the foundation is selling the aircraft.

Several lawmakers on the committee questioned the need for the airplane in light of other budget priorities. Heineman argued last week that the plane allows him and other state officials to reach rural parts of the state.

The request also includes $300,000 for upgraded avionics and insurance.